Changing times: media people turning to religion

The real life of celebrities is always complex enough to identify, especially when either the actors are too popular or when they are hardly able to gain any limelight in their career. Talking specifically about the actors of Pakistan, a new trend has been seen in last few years where these actors are turning towards Islam, quitting their profession and the showbiz life. This transformation might be an attempt of gaining publicity, and at the same time there are equal chances that they genuinely found themselves in doubts and shifted towards the reality of the world, realizing the righteous path. Without criticizing anyone, We will discuss a few of them today in this post.

Back six to seven years, It was Junaid Jamshed who realized that his singing would only benefit him in this life but will become a source of Pain in the Life Hereafter, according to the Muslim believes, left singing although Junaid was enjoying huge fame and fan following and considered as a lead vocalist of his time. Soon Junaid reappeared on television with his new religious look with a long beard, been dressed decently, leaving a pious impression on the viewers. He didn’t let go his talent all wasted, but utilized his choral abilities in recitation of Naats, that is, in praising Holy Prophet (pbuh). This new change didn’t go unnoticed by media and Junaid Jamshed was seen on different channels especially in the Month of Ramadan, hosting religious shows.

Soon after Junaid, it was Najam Shiraz, another singer who claimed that he has found the right path, he went to such an extent that he married a foreigner as she converted to Islam, who was then Named Marium. It seemed that Shiraz was eager to explode the showbiz by creating a team of actors who joined him in his mission. Following Najam Shiraz’s ideology, the few next turn up were made by Ali Afzal, Farhan Ali Agha and Fazila Qazi. All of these actors immediately disappeared from screen and were only seen on Rehman TV which is an Islam Dedicated channel.

It was recently seen that another singer and actor, Ali Haider declared that he has quit singing after his son came out from all the dangers of bad health. He talked about the change openly, sharing his real story. He was then seen reciting Nohay in Muharram and Praising Allah with his Hamds.

Now the turning point of the story is, almost all of these actors, who once appeared on media and announced their give up, returned to their normal showbiz life, leaving behind a question whether all that was been done in the name of religion was a drama or attention seeking strategy. Except Junaid Jamshed, who started his own boutique with prices that touch sky, all of the above stated actors are now seen in their showbiz life. Najam Shiraz recently sung the OST of HumTV Drama Serial ‘Yahan Pyaar nahi hai’, Ali Afzal and Farhan Ali agha, at the same time an also be seen in many different Drama Serials on different channels. It was recently that I watched on news that Ali haider is now working for an Indian Movie and will also soon release his album. Even today as an eid special, he was seen in a drama on ARY.

Its now Sara Chuadhry and Shiraz uppal , who have adopted same line of action. Let us see, what these formal celebrities decide in upcoming days as the newly propagated story shades off in sometime.

Whatever is it, it is difficult to comment but using religious aspects just for self promotion is an unethical act which should be condemned.